AYCLIFFE WIN THRILLER WITH SECOND HALF COMEBACK

Newton Aycliffe 3-2 Bishop Auckland – Ebac Northern League Division One

Newton Aycliffe produced a stunning second half comeback against league leaders Bishop Auckland.

Aycliffe had the first chance of the game in the 17th minute, Ethan Wood’s cross was met by Eddie Thomas who saw his low effort tipped around the post.

The opening half hour offered little in the way of chances – with both sides struggling to maintain attacks. Bishop dominated possession but were unable to force any real openings.

But they opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time – James Risbrough broke down the right before cutting inside and firing beyond Adam McHugh at the near post.

The visitors doubled their lead just after the break through Marcus Giles. The winger picked up the ball out wide, before his attempted cross evaded McHugh and found the back of the net.

It only took Aycliffe three minutes to pull a goal back. Anthony Callaghan found space on the edge of the area before unleashing a thunderous strike which cannoned off the underside of the bar, leaving Bishop stopper Ryan Cattrick no chance.

Aycliffe were level just five minutes later. Wood found Liam Jarvie on the edge of the area, who brilliantly turned his man before beating the keeper at the near post.

Jarvie almost gave Aycliffe the lead 68 minutes in – his close range effort was tipped over the bar brilliantly by Cattrick.

Aycliffe completed the comeback 17 minutes from time. Bishop lost possession in the middle of the park, which lead to Jarvie being played through one on one before he rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Aycliffe’s Joe Ferguson was shown a second yellow card for time wasting, meaning the home side had to dig deep for the remaining 15 minutes to see the game out.

They held on for a fully deserved victory, after a lacklustre second half performance from the away side. Aycliffe move into third, just six points behind Bishops who sit five points clear of second placed Whitley Bay.

Adam Gill